sea legs

plural noun

the ability to adjust one's sense of balance to the motion of a ship at sea.
He stumbled about the deck for three days before getting his sea legs.
the ability to remain free of seasickness.
surimi.

sea legs

plural noun

the ability to maintain one's balance on board ship, esp in rough weather
the ability to resist seasickness, esp in rough weather

sea legs

To “have one's sea legs” is to be able to walk calmly and steadily on a tossing ship, or to become accustomed to a new or strange situation: “Even though Kimberly just joined the company, she's got her sea legs in a hurry.”

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Word History and Origins

Origin of sea legs¹

First recorded in 1705–15

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Idioms and Phrases

The ability to adjust to a new situation or difficult conditions, as in She's only spoken in public a few times; she hasn't found her sea legs yet. This expression was first recorded in 1712 and then referred to, as it still does, the ability to walk steadily on board ship, especially in rough seas. By the late 1800s it was being transferred to other challenging situations.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Phil President and Chief Executive Kim Noltemy, adding that it took a while for the organization to regain its sea legs after the pandemic.

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Summer School allows them to get their metaphorical sea legs in front of a supportive audience.

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“Therefore, I am very used to the feeling of having sea legs and having water rolling under me. Who knows if there is a connection? But it makes as much sense as any other theory, I guess.”

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“Olive has not found her sea legs!”

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His first hire was to bring in a proven old veteran, a respected guru, Wade Phillips, as his defensive coordinator to steady the ship while Sean got his sea legs.

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